New WHO policy requires sharing of all research data

Science and public health can greatly benefit from the sharing and reuse of health data. Sharing data allows us to have the greatest possible understanding of health challenges, to develop new solutions and to make decisions using the best available evidence.

The Research for Health department has helped spearhead the launch of a new Science Division policy covering all research conducted by or supported by WHO. The aim is to ensure that all research data is shared fairly, ethically and efficiently. Through this policy, WHO demonstrates its commitment to transparency to achieve the goal of one billion more people achieving better health and well-being.

The WHO policy is accompanied by practical guidance that enables researchers to develop and implement a data management and sharing plan before research has even started. The guide advises on the technical, ethical and legal considerations to ensure that data, even patient data, can be shared for secondary analysis without compromising personal privacy. Data sharing is now a requirement for research funding awarded by WHO and TDR.

“We have seen the problems caused by the lack of data sharing about COVID-19,” said Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, WHO Chief Scientist. “When data related to research activities are shared ethically, fairly and efficiently, there are major gains for science and public health.”

The policy for sharing data from all research funded or conducted by WHO, and practical guidance for doing so, can be found here.